IE University Applications: A Complete Guide

IE University is one of the most sought-after institutions in Europe for international students. With its particular strengths in Business, Economics, and the Social Sciences, it attracts many strong applicants every year.

In this guide, we’ll explore the IE University application process – from its application form to admissions testing and interview. We’ll break down the entry requirements and how to stand out and secure an offer from this competitive university.

We also discuss Dukes Plus’s IE University application support – a comprehensive programme of prep and guidance to improve your chances of admission.

IE University Overview

IE University is a private university in Spain, known for its innovative approach to education and global outlook. It has two campuses – a historic campus in Segovia and a modern urban campus in Madrid. The student body is extremely diverse: over 80% of students are international, representing more than 140 countries.

All undergraduate programmes are taught in English and range across fields such as business, economics, law, international relations, architecture, design, science and technology. IE emphasises entrepreneurship and practical learning, with strong ties to industry.

This global and hands-on educational style has made IE popular with students seeking a dynamic and unique university experience that fosters personal and professional growth.

IE University Ranking

In global rankings, IE University is recognized as a leading institution, especially in business-related fields, though its overall rank is not among the very top tier (due in part to its smaller size and specialised focus).

In the QS World University Rankings 2025, IE University is ranked #435 in the world. By comparison, its subject-specific rankings are much higher – for example, in the QS subject rankings, IE’s Business & Management programmes are 32nd.

IE also excels in career outcomes: the Times Higher Education Global Employability Ranking 2024 placed IE University 18th worldwide for graduate employability (and #1 in Spain).

These indicators show that while IE may not yet be as globally renowned as some centuries-old universities, it offers a high-quality education with an excellent reputation in key areas (and among employers). It’s no surprise, then, that IE University applications should be competitive.

IE University Majors

IE University offers a wide range of undergraduate majors (Bachelor’s degree programmes). All degrees are four-year programmes and are taught in English. Major fields of study include:

• Business & Economics – e.g. Business Administration, Economics, Data & Business Analytics
• Technology & Science – e.g. Computer Science & AI, Applied Mathematics, Environmental Sustainability
• Social Sciences – e.g. International Relations, Behaviour & Social Sciences, Political Science
• Law & Politics – e.g. LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws), Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics (PPLE)
• Design, Architecture & Humanities – e.g. Design (and Fashion Design), Architectural Studies, Communication & Digital Media, Humanities

When applying, you can indicate a first- and second-choice programme. If you are not admitted to your first choice, the admissions committee may consider you for your second choice.

IE University Application Process

Application Deadline

IE University uses a rolling admissions policy. This means there is no fixed application deadline – you can apply at any time of year.

However, places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and programmes often fill up months in advance of the start date. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to apply as early as possible (several months before the term begins).

Applying early not only gives you the chance to secure your spot but also leaves time for visa processing or other arrangements if you’re an international student.

Entry Requirements

IE Madrid accepts many national curricula. Here are the basic academic entry requirements for three common qualifications:

A-Levels (UK)

At least 3 A-levels. Typical offers range from ABB up to A*AA depending on the programme, with most admitted students achieving grades in the A/A* range. Subjects relevant to your chosen degree are recommended (e.g. Maths for a data science course).

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The full IB Diploma is required (IB Certificates are not sufficient). Offers are generally made to students with predicted or final scores in the mid-to-high 30s out of 45. The average IB score at IE is around 36 points. Strong performance in higher level subjects related to your degree will strengthen your application.

US High School Diploma

A high school graduation diploma is required, ideally with a solid academic record. A minimum unweighted GPA of around 3.2/4.0 is expected, though many successful applicants have higher. While standardized tests are optional, taking AP or honours courses in relevant subjects is highly recommended to demonstrate academic rigour.

You can see IE Madrid’s entry requirements for other national curricula here.

Predicted grades can be used for the application, but final exam results will be needed to confirm your place.

Application Form

The online application form has several components.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A concise CV (résumé) detailing your educational background, grades, extracurricular activities, work/internship experience, and any achievements or skills. This gives the admissions team a snapshot of your profile beyond exam scores.

Recommendation Letter

One academic reference letter is required (for example, from a teacher or school counsellor). The recommender should know you well and be able to attest to your abilities, character and potential.

“Express Yourself” Project

A personal essay or project unique to IE University’s application process. You’ll be given a prompt or question, and you can respond in any format you prefer – an essay, a video, a slideshow, a poem, etc. This is an opportunity to express your personality, creativity, and passions. There’s no “right” answer; the goal is to allow IE to see what makes you unique, so be authentic and choose a format that best allows you to shine.

Additionally, you will need to provide academic transcripts (mark sheets), identification (passport or ID copy), and a passport-size photo. You can also attach optional materials like portfolios (for design/architecture applicants) or certificates of awards, if relevant.

Language Requirements

Since instruction at IE University is in English, English proficiency is essential. Your English level will be assessed throughout the admissions process (through your essays, interview, etc.).

If you are not a native English speaker or have not studied in an English-speaking education system recently, you will need to provide an English language test score.

IE University accepts:

• TOEFL iBT – recommended score of 100 or above.
• IELTS Academic – overall score of 7.0 or above (7.5+ ideal).
• Cambridge – C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency certificates (high marks).
• Duolingo English Test – score of 130 or above.

If you have studied in English (for example, if you did your A-levels or IB in English, or attended an English-language high school), you may be exempt from having to provide a test score. IE Madrid does not require knowledge of Spanish for admission, but international students are encouraged to learn Spanish once enrolled to enrich their experience.

Admissions Testing

As part of the IE University application process, several different standardised admissions tests fulfil its testing requirements:

• SAT
• ACT
• IE University Admissions Test
• LNAT (for Law only)

IE University Admissions Test

Applicants who do not submit SAT, ACT or similar scores will take the IE University Admissions Test as part of the process.

Format

 This is an online aptitude test that assesses your logical, verbal, and numerical reasoning skills in English.

The test consists of five sections, as follows:

• Numerical Reasoning (37 questions, 12 minutes)
• Verbal Reasoning (49 questions, 12 minutes)
• Deductive Logical Thinking (6 minutes)
• Learning Efficiency (5 minutes)
• Mathematics (20 questions, 60 minutes) – only required for Maths, Science, and Data programmes

The test will last 35 minutes for most applicants, or 95 minutes for those applying for STEM programmes. There is additional time for reading the instructions and completing practice problems. IE recommend you block out two hours for taking the test.

As you can see, in many of the sections there are lots of questions and very little time to answer. Don’t panic – IE Madrid doesn’t expect you to get through all of the questions. However,  you should work as quickly as possible, as the test measures speed as well as correctness (i.e. 20 correct answers, unsurprisingly, are worth more than 10). So the key is to work as quickly as you can without sacrificing accuracy.

Syllabus

Numerical Reasoning

These questions ask you to “Determine the truth and accuracy of a statement based on the numerical data provided.”

Verbal Reasoning

These questions ask you to “Determine the truth and accuracy of a statement based on the verbal information provided.”

Deductive Logical Thinking

This section asks you to “Understand the pattern in the graphic provided and use logic to fill in the empty cell and complete the pattern.”

Learning Efficiency

This section tests “your ability to remember objects that are shown very quickly in the right order.”

Mathematics

The Maths section tests algebra, calculus, linear algebra, geometry, and probability & statistics. You can see the full syllabus for the Maths section here.

Scoring

IE does not release its scoring system and students do not find out their scores. However, we do know that the test is scored based on a combination of:

• Number of correct answers
• Time taken per question
• Penalties for incorrect answers

This means that the test rewards those who work quickly and accurately, without randomly guessing answers.

Taking the Test

You will have only one attempt at the IE Admissions Test (it can’t be retaken). You can only book it after submitting at least 25% of your application and paying the application fee of 150 EUR.

The results are sent directly to the admissions committee, without you being told your score.

How to prepare?

Like lots of institutions which use standardised tests, IE claims that its test requires no preparation. In reality, there has never been an aptitude test which you can’t score higher on by preparing.

The two reasoning sections are similar to many other tests, like the SAT, ACT, UCAT, or TSA. Preparation materials for these tests are likely to be highly transferable. Check out Dukes Plus’s own:

• SAT Prep
• ACT Prep
• UCAT Prep

The Mathematics section is similar to the SAT or ACT’s Math.

For the highest level of 1-1 preparation, consider working with an experienced tutor. They can boost your skills and fill in knowledge gaps, as well as provide time management and exam technique tips to navigate the IE test’s unique format. Book a free consultation today to discuss our tutoring options.

Other Admissions Tests IE Accepts

IE Madrid will accept certain standardized test scores in lieu of its own admissions test. If you have taken any of the following, you may choose to submit your scores:

SAT

A score of around 1200 on the SAT is the minimum to be considered. (IE’s average range is about 1270–1460 for admitted students).

ACT

A score of 24 or above (out of 36) is the minimum to be considered. Many IE students score in the high 20s on the ACT.

LNAT

For Law applicants, IE will accept LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) results. The minimum to be considered is 22 out of 42 on Section A.

OMPT (Online Maths Test)

 For certain Science/Tech programmes that require advanced maths, IE may accept an OMPT-B or OMPT-D mathematics test result as proof of quantitative ability.

Submitting one of these test scores can strengthen your application and means you won’t need to take IE’s internal test. Given the uniqueness of IE’s test, and the fact that it can only be taken once, we would generally advise students to take the SAT or ACT instead.

Be sure to send your official score reports to IE University.

Good SAT & ACT Scores for IE

What is considered a good score? As mentioned, IE’s minimum requirements are around 1200 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT.

In practice, admitted students often have higher scores. The middle 50% of IE freshmen score roughly 1270–1460 on the SAT and 26–31 on the ACT. Therefore, to be safe, aiming for at least the 1300s on SAT or high-20s on ACT is a good target. That puts you around the average of IE’s admitted pool. Of course, scoring even higher (1400+ or 30+ ACT) would further boost your academic credentials.

Remember that IE’s admissions are holistic – test scores are just one factor. A slightly lower score won’t ruin your chances if the rest of your application is stellar, especially since IE allows you to demonstrate ability via its own test or other means. But if you have the opportunity to take the SAT/ACT and you’re aiming for IE, it’s worth trying to meet or exceed that mid-range to make your academic readiness clear.

In short, anything above IE’s minimum and near or above the median range can be considered a “good” score for IE University.

Kira Assessment

After submitting your application, you will complete an online Kira Talent assessment. This is essentially a short virtual interview done on your computer. The Kira assessment consists of three questions: you will record video responses to two questions and provide a written response to one question. The entire exercise takes about 20 minutes. You’ll receive an email link to the Kira platform, where you can practice with sample questions before recording your answers.

The purpose of Kira is to allow IE’s admissions team to see your personality, communication skills, and how you think on the spot. You don’t know what questions you might be asked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare!

Reflect carefully on a few key questions:

• Why do you want to study at IE?
• What was a personal challenge you faced recently, and how did you respond?
• Why have you applied for your chosen programme at IE?
• What work have you done outside of your school studies to prepare you for university?
• What are some of the key challenges in your chosen field today?
• How do you intend to use your studies at IE in the rest of your life?

You don’t want to script exact answers to these, but to use them as prompts for self-reflection. None of these questions may come up! But it is likely that the material you process as part of this work will come in useful.

Also, don’t neglect to practise giving answers out loud or writing them down. You’ll need to be able to instantly articulate your thoughts, either verbally or on paper, and this is a skill in itself. Ask a friend, teacher, or university admissions consultant to practice with you.

During the real Kira assessment, you get only one chance per question – no re-dos. So, approach it like a live interview: be clear, be yourself, and don’t panic if you make a small mistake. The content of your answers is less about “right or wrong” and more about showing how you express yourself and your motivation.

Treat it seriously (find a quiet space, dress neatly, and speak English as you would in an interview). A strong Kira performance will help confirm to IE that you’re a confident, articulate candidate ready for an international classroom.

Interview

If you pass the initial stages of the IE University application (application, test, and Kira), you will be invited for a personal interview. This is the final step of the admissions process. The interview is usually conducted by an IE University staff member (often via video call for international students) and lasts around 30 minutes.

During the interview, expect questions about your motivation (Why IE University? Why this programme?), your background and experiences (e.g. discuss a project or extracurricular activity you mentioned in your application), and your personal goals.

The interviewer is assessing qualities like your communication skills, maturity, passion for your chosen field, and whether you’ll be a good fit for IE’s community. It’s also an opportunity for you to elaborate on any aspect of your application and to ask questions about IE Madrid.

Preparation tips

Be ready to talk in depth about anything you’ve included in your IE univesrity application. Review what you wrote in your essays/CV so it’s fresh in mind. Reflect on common interview topics – for instance, think of examples when you showed leadership, teamwork, or overcame a challenge, as these might come up. You should also have a clear and genuine answer for “Why IE?” that goes beyond the obvious.

In the interview itself, be professional but also let your personality show. The format is conversational – the interviewer wants to get to know you. Listen carefully to questions and take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering if needed. It’s perfectly fine to be a bit nervous; just try to speak clearly and honestly.

Show enthusiasm for the prospect of studying at IE. By the end of the interview, you want to convey that you are passionate, prepared, and would thrive at IE University. After the interview, the admissions committee will make a decision on your application, typically within a few weeks.

Is IE University Hard to Get Into?

IE University’s admissions process is competitive but not impossibly selective. In general, about one in three applicants is admitted, reflecting a moderate selectivity.

This is less extreme than Ivy League universities or Oxbridge, but IE still looks for strong academic and personal profiles. The university seeks students with high academic standards and leadership potential, and evaluates each candidate holistically.

If you meet the entry requirements and put forward a well-rounded application, you have a good chance of acceptance. That said, certain popular programmes (for example, Business or Data Science) can be more competitive, so you should aim to excel in all parts of the application to maximise your chances.

IE University Acceptance Rate

While IE Madrid doesn’t officially publish an exact acceptance rate, estimates put the overall acceptance rate around 30–40% for undergraduate programmes. In other words, roughly a third of applicants are offered admission.

This rate indicates that the IE University application process is selective, but not as prohibitively selective as some elite universities. Keep in mind the acceptance rate can vary by course – highly sought-after degrees (like the BBA or Computer Science) may have lower acceptance rates than others.

IE’s holistic review means that your personal profile matters a great deal: two students with identical academics might have different outcomes depending on their interview, essays, and extracurriculars. So, the acceptance rate is a useful benchmark, but a strong application can certainly tilt the odds in your favour.

Application Tips

To wrap up, here are some tips to help you put forward the best possible application to IE University:

Apply Early

With rolling admissions, earlier is better. Popular programmes can fill up well in advance, so start your application as soon as you’re ready. Early application also gives you more time to sort out visa or housing matters after acceptance.

Highlight Your Well-Rounded Profile

IE looks for more than just top grades. Show off your extracurriculars, leadership experiences, international exposure, and personal projects. In your CV and essays, emphasize what makes you stand out (talents, achievements, community involvement) alongside your academic strengths.

Nail the Personal Components

Put thought into your Express Yourself submission – let it reflect your true interests or values. Practice for the Kira video assessment so you’re comfortable speaking on camera. And for the interview, be prepared and genuine. These stages are where IE assesses your personality and fit, so confidence and authenticity are key.

Be Strategic with Tests

If taking the IE Admissions Test, prepare by reviewing sample questions and doing some practice under timed conditions. If you have the option to submit SAT/ACT scores and they are strong, do so – meeting or exceeding IE’s recommended scores will only help your case. Remember you can choose whichever testing route puts you in the best light.

Stay Organised and Professional

Ensure all required documents (transcripts, predicted grades, recommendation letter, ID copy, etc.) are submitted and are clear and accurate. Keep track of emails from IE and respond promptly if they request anything.

Little things – like a well-formatted application, meeting deadlines, and politeness in communications – create a good impression. It shows that you’re serious about IE and ready for the responsibility of university life.

Get Extra Support from Dukes Plus

To become a stronger candidate and really impress the IE admissions team, the best advice is to get personal support from experts.

At Dukes Plus, we’ve helped students get into top universities worldwide – including IE – since 1999. Our admissions consultants and tutors can give you 360-degree support for all aspects of the application – from programme selection to test prep and interview coaching. Our guidance is designed to maximise your chances of admission at every stage.

Discover why 75% of our students get into their first-choice university. Learn more about our IE University application support, or book a free consultation with our friendly team today.

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